China

This photo was taken in Fenghuang County, one of the most unforgettable stops on my China trip.

China was nothing like what I had pictured before I got there. In just six days, I made my way through Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang, climbing up Tianmen Mountain, stepping onto the Coiling Dragon Cliff, and wandering through the Old Town streets. Every moment felt like a discovery—the breathtaking landscapes, the surprisingly modern infrastructure, the endless stream of delicious food, and the kindness of people I met along the way.

One of my favorite memories was walking at night along the river in Fenghuang Old Town. Lanterns glowed above restaurant doors, their reflections shimmering on the water, while music played from both sides of the river. It felt almost dreamlike, like stepping into a living painting.

The only catch? Google Maps didn’t work. But maybe that was part of the adventure—getting a little lost, asking for directions, and letting the journey unfold in unexpected ways.

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